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Puljević C, Tscharke B, Wessel EL, Francis C, Verhagen R, O'Brien JW, Bade R, Nadarajan D, Measham F, Stowe MJ, Piatkowski T, Ferris J, Page R, Hiley S, Eassey C, McKinnon G, Sinclair G, Blatchford E, Engel L, Norvill A, Barratt MJ. Characterising differences between self-reported and wastewater-identified drug use at two consecutive years of an Australian music festival. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 921:170934. [PMID: 38360330 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the context of drug prohibition, potential adulteration and variable purity pose additional health risks for people who use drugs, with these risks often compounded by the outdoor music festival environment. Ahead of the imminent implementation of drug checking services in Queensland, Australia, this study aims to characterise this problem using triangulated survey and wastewater data to understand self-reported and detected drug use among attendees of a multi-day Queensland-based music festival in 2021 and 2022. METHODS We administered an in-situ survey focusing on drug use at the festival to two convenience samples of 136 and 140 festival attendees in 2021 and 2022 respectively. We compared survey findings to wastewater collected concurrently from the festival's site-specific wastewater treatment plant, which was analysed using Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry. RESULTS Most survey respondents (82 % in 2021, 92 % in 2022) reported using or intending to use an illicit drug at the festival. Some respondents reported potentially risky drug use practices such as using drugs found on the ground (2 % in 2021, 4 % in 2022). Substances detected in wastewater but not surveys include MDEA, mephedrone, methylone, 3-MMC, alpha-D2PV, etizolam, eutylone, and N,N-dimethylpentylone. CONCLUSION Many substances detected in wastewater but not self-reported in surveys likely represent substitutions or adulterants. These findings highlight the benefits of drug checking services to prevent harms from adulterants and provide education on safer drug use practices. These findings also provide useful information on socio-demographic characteristics and drug use patterns of potential users of Queensland's future drug checking service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheneal Puljević
- The Loop Australia, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Benjamin Tscharke
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ellen Leslie Wessel
- The Loop Australia, Australia; School of Public Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | | | - Rory Verhagen
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jake W O'Brien
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Richard Bade
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Dhayaalini Nadarajan
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Fiona Measham
- The Loop Australia, Australia; Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom; The Loop Drug Checking Service, United Kingdom
| | - M J Stowe
- The Loop Australia, Australia; The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy Piatkowski
- The Loop Australia, Australia; School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
| | - Jason Ferris
- The Loop Australia, Australia; Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robert Page
- The Loop Australia, Australia; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Alcohol & Drug Service, St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Christopher Eassey
- The Loop Australia, Australia; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Monica J Barratt
- The Loop Australia, Australia; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Social Equity Research Centre and Digital Ethnography Research Centre, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic, Australia
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Chaaban S, Istvan M, Schreck B, Laigo P, Rousselet M, Grall-Bronnec M, Pain S, Victorri-Vigneau C. Cannabis use and dependence among festival attendees: results from the French OCTOPUS survey. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:992. [PMID: 38594675 PMCID: PMC11003156 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18496-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic use of cannabis is associated with an increased risk of psychosocial, mental and physical health impairments. Sociohealth institutions reach a very limited proportion of cannabis users in need of treatment. Using data collected from festival attendees, this study aimed to estimate the prevalence of dependent cannabis users and to characterize cannabis dependence. METHODS We used data from the cross-sectional OCTOPUS survey carried out at 13 music events in the French department of Loire-Atlantique between July 2017 and July 2018. 383 participants aged 18 or older underwent a face-to-face interview about their basic sociodemographics, tobacco use, alcohol use and past-year substance use. Using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) criteria, we estimated the prevalence of dependent cannabis users and characterized their dependence. RESULTS More than two-thirds of participants reported that they had used cannabis in the past 12 months. Among 194 regular cannabis users (at least monthly), 63.4% were dependent. At least 40% of regular users reported health and/or social consequences of cannabis use. Compared to nondependent cannabis users, dependent cannabis users were more likely to be stimulant users and hallucinogen users. CONCLUSIONS Dependent cannabis use is common among festival attendees, especially among stimulant or hallucinogen users. Festival settings may be important arenas for i) implementing efficient harm reduction measures to prevent dependence and ii) providing information on care structures and promoting the use of care to dependent users. In addition, healthcare professionals should be aware of trends in polysubstance use among dependent cannabis users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Chaaban
- Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Marion Istvan
- Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, F-44000, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Benoit Schreck
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France
- UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Pauline Laigo
- Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Morgane Rousselet
- Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, F-44000, Nantes, France.
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France.
- UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, F-44000, Nantes, France.
| | - Marie Grall-Bronnec
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France
- UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Stéphanie Pain
- Centre d'addictovigilance, Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, CHU de Poitiers, 86000, Poitiers, France
- Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, INSERM U-1084, Université de Poitiers, 86000, Poitiers, France
| | - Caroline Victorri-Vigneau
- Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, F-44000, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France
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3
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Lojszczyk A, Wilson R, Wood J, Hutton A. Motivational characteristics of recreational drug use among emerging adults in social settings: an integrative literature review. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1235387. [PMID: 38026351 PMCID: PMC10644826 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1235387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Recreational drug use by emerging adults has been identified as an increasingly normalized trend in social contexts. It has been documented that the consumption of these substances regularly occurs at music festivals, raves, nightlife and party settings. While it is known that emerging adults participate in these risk-taking behaviors, what is not known is their motivational characteristics for use. The aim of this review to identify and review literature describing the motivations for recreational drug use and drug choice (excluding alcohol, cannabis and tobacco) by emerging adults in social settings to inform selection of appropriately aligned harm reduction education and health messaging interventions. Methods Whittemore and Knafl's (2005) integrative approach was used to conduct the review. This integrative review was based on a three-step search strategy identifying 2,772 articles published between 2000 and 2022. Eleven studies were included in the review. This review explores the following areas: drug use settings, concurrent drug use, consumer drug knowledge, motives of use including likes and dislikes and peer influence. Results A range of factors influence motivations of emerging adults to participate in recreational drug use. Similar to the consumption of alcohol, the use of recreational drugs by emerging adults is motivated by their perceived benefits and personal motivations to achieve euphoria, emotional intimacy, social benefits, peer influence, increased confidence and to decrease inhibitions. The review findings suggest that motivational factors that reinforce recreational drug use correlate with the desire to break away from the mundane by seeking pleasure and for the opportunity to create novel experiences. Beliefs about the positive and negative impacts of drug use, together with the desire to achieve emotional satisfaction influence drug taking activity. Conclusion Recreational drug use has become an increased societal norm amongst drug using peer groups and cannot be entirely prevented. It is to be noted that emerging adults have a basic understanding concerning recreational drugs, however, consumer drug knowledge and interventions that target illicit substances is lacking and should be addressed in future research. Festivals, raves and nightlife settings provide opportunity to implement health promotion as it reaches large number of vulnerable individuals in a short period of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicja Lojszczyk
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Rhonda Wilson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- School of Nursing, Massey University, Wellington, Manawatu-Wanganui, New Zealand
| | - Jessica Wood
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison Hutton
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Nursing, John Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Stephenson L, Van Den Heuvel C, Byard RW. Socioeconomic and psychosocial determinants of substance misuse - a national perspective. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2023:10.1007/s12024-023-00702-6. [PMID: 37682517 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-023-00702-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Accurate estimates of population drug use and an understanding of the factors that influence substance choice are essential for the development of appropriate and targeted prevention strategies and campaigns. This review aims to provide an overview of the socioeconomic and psychosocial factors that influence substance use patterns within the Australian population through exploration of current and historical examples of substance misuse. Australia's comparatively large online drug market is reflective of the country's relative geographic isolation and high local drug prices. Legislation, particularly relating to cannabis cultivation and personal use, has evolved significantly in response to increased scientific and commercial applications and changing attitudes towards medical and personal use. Methylamphetamine use is disproportionately high, attributed to Australia's geographic location, high rates of local manufacture, steady cost, and increased purity. Despite the increased cost of cocaine over time, the profile of users appears to dictate rates of use. The prevalence of injecting drug use is driven by a lack of education, perceived risk, stigma, and other social factors. Additionally, psychosocial factors also contribute to substance misuse among specific population subgroups such as petrol sniffing among Indigenous Australians. Understanding the reasons for geographical variability in illicit drug use assists in the interpretation of substance-associated behavior in specific groups/populations and in guiding future intervention efforts and predictions of emerging trends. In addition, an understanding of factors influencing local drug usage may assist forensic practitioners in evaluating the occurrence and effects of particular substances that may emerge as significant factors in drug-related deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilli Stephenson
- School of Biomedicine, Level 2 Helen Mayo North, The University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5005, SA, Australia.
| | - Corinna Van Den Heuvel
- School of Biomedicine, Level 2 Helen Mayo North, The University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5005, SA, Australia
| | - Roger W Byard
- School of Biomedicine, Level 2 Helen Mayo North, The University of Adelaide, Frome Road, Adelaide, 5005, SA, Australia
- Forensic Science SA (FSSA), Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
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5
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Istvan M, Bresdin V, Mainguy M, Laigo P, Grall-Bronnec M, Eudeline V, Guillet JE, Guillo M, Babonnaud L, Jolliet P, Schreck B, Victorri-Vigneau C. First results of the French OCTOPUS survey among festival attendees: a latent class analysis. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:43. [PMID: 36991395 PMCID: PMC10057684 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00770-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Illicit substance use has constantly evolved over the years, particularly in the party scene. Monitoring these changes is essential to adapt harm reduction strategies. The OCTOPUS survey was implemented to enhance knowledge on drug use at music festivals. The objective of the work presented here was to describe drug use and to characterize profiles of substance use in music festival attendees. METHODS OCTOPUS was a cross-sectional survey carried out during 13 various music festivals (dub, eclectic and electronic music) in the Loire-Atlantique department (France) from July 2017 to July 2018. Participants were festival attendees. Data were collected by trained research staff using a face-to-face structured interview. We analysed the use of illicit drugs in the last 12 months to describe the prevalence of use and to characterize the profile of substance use using a latent class analysis. RESULTS In total, 383 festival attendees were included. Of 314 (82%) participants who reported drug use, the most reported drugs were cannabis, ecstasy/MDMA and cocaine. We identified two profiles of drug use: (i) a "no/low polysubstance use" profile mainly characterized by the use of "classic" stimulants (ecstasy/MDMA, cocaine) and (ii) "moderate/extensive polysubstance use", with high probabilities of "classic" stimulants use and especially other drugs reported: speed, ketamine, new psychoactive substances (NPSs). CONCLUSION We observed frequent polysubstance use in festival attendees. Harm reduction should be targeted at the increased risk of toxicity linked to polysubstance use, and the reduction in harm caused by particular drugs (ketamine, NPS, speed) could be further strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Istvan
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, F-44000, Nantes, France.
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France.
| | - Vincent Bresdin
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Marie Mainguy
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Pauline Laigo
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Marie Grall-Bronnec
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Vincent Eudeline
- OPPELIA, Association de Prévention et de Soin en Addictologie, Nantes et St Nazaire, France
| | - Jean-Emmanuel Guillet
- OPPELIA, Association de Prévention et de Soin en Addictologie, Nantes et St Nazaire, France
| | - Manon Guillo
- Techno + Nantes, Association de Santé Communautaire en Milieu Techno, Nantes, France
| | - Laurent Babonnaud
- AIDES Nantes, association de soutien et accompagnement des personnes, Actions de prévention et de réduction des risques du VIH/SIDA et des hépatites, Nantes, France
| | - Pascale Jolliet
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, F-44000, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Benoit Schreck
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, UIC Psychiatrie et Santé Mentale, F-44000, Nantes, France
| | - Caroline Victorri-Vigneau
- Nantes Université, CHU Nantes, Centre d'Evaluation et d'Information sur la Pharmacodépendance-Addictovigilance (CEIP-A), Service de Pharmacologie Clinique, F-44000, Nantes, France
- Nantes Université, Univ Tours, CHU Nantes, CHU Tours, INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, F-44000, Nantes, France
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Sajwani HS. The Dilemma of New Psychoactive Substances: A Growing Threat. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:348-350. [PMID: 37026049 PMCID: PMC10071313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS) pose a major public threat and are a growing problem worldwide. They were designed to replace banned or controlled drugs while escaping quality control measures. Their chemical structure is constantly changed which imposes a major forensic challenge, and makes it difficult for law enforcement measures to track and ban them. Hence, they are called "legal highs" as they replicate illicit drugs whilst remaining legal. Low cost, easy accessibility and less legal liability are the main factors that contribute to the popularity of NPS among the public. This is particularly with the lack of knowledge of the health risks and harms associated with NPS not only amongst the public, but healthcare professionals as well, which further constitutes a challenge for preventative and treatment measures. Further medico-legal investigation, extensive laboratory and non-laboratory analyses, and advanced forensic measures are necessary to identify, schedule and control new psychoactive substances. Besides, additional efforts are required to educate the public and increase their awareness regarding NPS and their potential harms.
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Mohr ALA, Fogarty MF, Krotulski AJ, Logan BK. Evaluating Trends in Novel Psychoactive Substances Using a Sentinel Population of Electronic Dance Music Festival Attendees. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:490-497. [PMID: 32860703 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Electronic dance music (EDM) festivals have become a popular venue for recreational drug use, including the use of traditional stimulants like 3,4-methylenendioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Using this cohort of people who use drugs recreationally, this study sought to collect biological specimens and self-reported drug use data from EDM festival attendees in the United States to monitor regional and temporal trends related to NPS use and turnover between 2014 and 2017. Oral fluid samples were collected at three United States EDM festival locations, including Miami, Florida (2014 to 2017); Tampa, Florida (2017) and Atlanta, Georgia (2017). Samples were screened by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and confirmed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Over the 4 years, 1,233 oral fluid samples were collected. With respect to self-reported drug use, 63% of respondents reported medicinal and/or recreational drug use within the last week. When comparing 4 years of data from Miami (2014 to 2017), NPS trends showed the disappearance of alpha-PVP after 2014 followed by a significant increase in ethylone positivity in 2015 and rapid decrease in 2016. Dibutylone was identified for the first time in Miami 2016, and N-ethyl pentylone was identified for the first time in Miami 2017. Additionally, 3,4-methylenendioxymethamphetamine positivity steadily increased from 2014 to 2017. A comparison across study sites (Miami, Tampa and Atlanta) and specific trends with respect to novel simulant use are described within. Using this opportunistic approach of monitoring drug trends, we have found that peak positivity of novel stimulants usually is within a year of their first detection. Understanding the dynamics of NPS drug markets will allow laboratories to plan for resource allocation and scope updates within a timely fashion to assist with the detection and confirmation of these emerging substances in samples submitted for forensic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L A Mohr
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Melissa F Fogarty
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Alex J Krotulski
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA
| | - Barry K Logan
- Center for Forensic Science Research and Education (CFSRE), Fredric Rieders Family Foundation, Willow Grove, PA 19090, USA.,Toxicology Department, NMS Labs, Horsham, PA 19044, USA
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Measham F, Turnbull G. Intentions, actions and outcomes: A follow up survey on harm reduction practices after using an English festival drug checking service. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 95:103270. [PMID: 33972157 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug checking is a health service whose behavioural outcomes have been assessed primarily through reported intentions of service users after receiving healthcare consultations or brief interventions (BIs). This study contributes to the evidence base through utilising a follow-up design to compare outcomes of risk communications on risk management and harm reduction practices both at and after attending drug checking services at three English music festivals in 2017. METHODS Data were collected and analysed from: (i) 1,482 self-complete questionnaires at sample drop-off; (ii) 1,482 nominated primary service users at 1,482 face-to-face BIs; and (iii) an anonymous online self-report follow-up survey completed by a sub-sample of 130 primary service users (one quarter of legible, functioning email addresses received) followed up three months later. Ten measures (one verified action and nine intentions) were recorded at point of BI and compared with retrospectively reported outcomes and ongoing changes post-BI. RESULTS Outcomes at follow-up were correlated with actions and intentions at BI for nine of the ten measures, including over half of service users disposing of samples identified as other than expected and two in five reporting reduced dosage for samples identified as expected. One in five reported alerting their friends to substances of concern. CONCLUSION Event-based drug checking services can access and engage productively with young adults earlier in drug taking careers and not in touch with health services, through tailored polydrug BIs. Rapid identification of substances of concern, dissemination of test results and associated risk communications during and after events through friendship networks, support services and early warning systems suggest that the benefits of drug checking can extend beyond service users and point of BI and can increase strategies and behaviours to reduce drug-related harm such as poisoning and overdose.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gavin Turnbull
- University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom & RMIT University, Victoria, Australia
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Maasz G, Molnar E, Mayer M, Kuzma M, Takács P, Zrinyi Z, Pirger Z, Kiss T. Illicit Drugs as a Potential Risk to the Aquatic Environment of a Large Freshwater Lake after a Major Music Festival. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2021; 40:1491-1498. [PMID: 33502775 DOI: 10.1002/etc.4998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The present study strengthens the view that residues of drugs of abuse may become widespread surface water contaminants following a local music festival. Overall, 10 illicit drugs were detected from the aquatic environment after the festival; cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine were present in the highest concentrations. The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites over 3 monitored festival yr suggested that consumption of these drugs was temporally linked with events. Weather conditions seriously influenced detection of contaminants deriving from events at the lakeshore. Most of the illicit drugs retained their pharmacological activities, with a potentially adverse impact on wildlife. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1491-1498. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabor Maasz
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Department of Experimental Zoology, Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
- Soós Ernő Research and Development Center, University of Pannonia, Nagykanizsa, Hungary
| | - Eva Molnar
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Department of Experimental Zoology, Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
| | - Matyas Mayer
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Monika Kuzma
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Péter Takács
- Department of Hydrozoology, Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
| | - Zita Zrinyi
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Department of Experimental Zoology, Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
- Soós Ernő Research and Development Center, University of Pannonia, Nagykanizsa, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Pirger
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Department of Experimental Zoology, Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
| | - Tibor Kiss
- NAP Adaptive Neuroethology, Department of Experimental Zoology, Balaton Limnological Institute, Centre for Ecological Research, Tihany, Hungary
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Brandeburová P, Bodík I, Horáková I, Žabka D, Castiglioni S, Salgueiro-González N, Zuccato E, Špalková V, Mackuľak T. Wastewater-based epidemiology to assess the occurrence of new psychoactive substances and alcohol consumption in Slovakia. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2020; 200:110762. [PMID: 32450441 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2020.110762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Consumption of alcohol and new psychoactive substances (NPS) in a population or during special events (music festivals) is usually monitored through individual questionnaires, forensic and toxicological data, and drug seizures. However, consumption estimates have some biases due mostly to the unknown composition of drug pills for NPS and stockpiling for alcohol. The aim of this study was to evaluate for the first time the real use of alcohol and the occurrence of NPS in Slovakia by wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE). Urban wastewater samples were collected from nine Slovak cities over two years (2017-2018) and during three music festivals. The study included about 20% of the Slovak population and 50 000 festival attendees. The urinary alcohol biomarker ethyl sulfate (EtS) and thirty NPS were analyzed by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC - MS/MS). EtS concentrations were used for estimating the per capita alcohol consumption in each city. The average alcohol consumption in the selected cities and festivals in 2017-2018 ranged between 7 and 126 L/day/1000 inhabitants and increased during the weekends and music festivals. Five NPS belonging to the classes of synthetic cathinones (mephedrone, methcathinone, buphedrone and pentedrone) and phenethylamines (25-iP-NBoMe) were found in the low ng/L range. Methcathinone was the most frequently detected NPS, while the highest normalized mass load corresponded to mephedrone (3.1 mg/day/1000 inhabitants). Wastewater-based epidemiology can provide timely information on alcohol consumption and NPS occurrence at the community level that is complementary to epidemiology-based monitoring techniques (e.g. population surveys, police seizures, sales statistics).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Brandeburová
- Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Igor Bodík
- Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivana Horáková
- Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Dušan Žabka
- Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Noelia Salgueiro-González
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Ettore Zuccato
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Viera Špalková
- Department of Inorganic Technology, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia; Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcka 129, 165 00 Praha 6 - Suchdol, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Mackuľak
- Institute of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology, Radlinského 9, 812 37, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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12
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Valiukas S, Pickering M, Hall T, Seneviratne N, Aitken A, John-Leader F, Pit SW. Sexting and Mental Health Among Young Australians Attending a Musical Festival: A Cross Sext-ional Study. CYBERPSYCHOLOGY BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL NETWORKING 2019; 22:521-528. [PMID: 31403856 DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2018.0671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Sexting is widely prevalent among young adults; however, the impact of sexting on mental health is not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate sexting behavior among young adults (18-30 years) attending an Australian music festival and the impact of sexting on mental health. A paper survey was completed by 776 respondents. Psychological distress (Kessler 6) was classified as "distressed" or "not distressed." Univariate and logistic regressions were used to test the associations between sexting and distress. In the past 12 months, 53.1 percent of respondents had sent a sexually explicit message, 43.1 percent had sent a sexually explicit image, 61.2 percent had received a sexually explicit message, and 55.1 percent had received a sexually explicit image. Three quarters of respondents (73.1 percent) felt that sexting could have a positive impact. No association was found between the frequency of sending and receiving sexually explicit images or messages in univariate analyses. However, the more unwanted messages/images were received in the past year, the more likely respondents were to be distressed as seen in univariate analyses. After adjusting for gender, sexual orientation, and alcohol, people who received 5 or more unsolicited messages were 2.4 times more likely to be distressed (odds ratio = 2.42, 95% confidence interval = 1.33-4.40, p = 0.004). In conclusion, this study showed that sexting is common and that the more unsolicited sexts that were received, the higher the distress level. Policymakers and program developers should be aware of the positive and negative impact of sexting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Valiukas
- 1School of Medicine, University Centre for Rural Health, Western Sydney University, Lismore, Australia
| | - MacKenzie Pickering
- 1School of Medicine, University Centre for Rural Health, Western Sydney University, Lismore, Australia
| | - Thomas Hall
- 1School of Medicine, University Centre for Rural Health, Western Sydney University, Lismore, Australia
| | - Nilasi Seneviratne
- 1School of Medicine, University Centre for Rural Health, Western Sydney University, Lismore, Australia
| | - Amy Aitken
- 1School of Medicine, University Centre for Rural Health, Western Sydney University, Lismore, Australia
| | - Franklin John-Leader
- 2Harm Reduction and Health Promotion Programs, HIV and Related Programs (HARP), North Coast Public Health, Mid-North Coast Local Health District, Lismore, Australia
| | - Sabrina W Pit
- 1School of Medicine, University Centre for Rural Health, Western Sydney University, Lismore, Australia.,3School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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González Ponce BM, Díaz-Batanero C, Vera BDV, Dacosta-Sánchez D, Fernández-Calderón F. Personality traits and their association with drug use and harm reduction strategies among polysubstance users who attend music festivals. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2019.1672818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Díaz-Batanero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | | | | | - Fermín Fernández-Calderón
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Psychology, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
- Research Center on Natural Resources, Health and the Environment, University of Huelva, Huelva, Spain
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14
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Kratom from Head to Toe—Case Reviews of Adverse Events and Toxicities. CURRENT EMERGENCY AND HOSPITAL MEDICINE REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40138-019-00194-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose of Review
This review describes case reports for patients with kratom-associated adverse events in order to assist clinicians with patient management. A stepwise approach is proposed for assessing active kratom users as well as considerations for the management of toxicities or withdrawal.
Recent Findings
Multiple in vitro and in vivo studies illustrate the pharmacologic and toxicologic effects of kratom extract. No randomized controlled trials in humans exist that assess the safety and efficacy of the substance. Cross-sectional surveys from active users and reports from poison control centers have shown acute and chronic physiological and psychological adverse events.
Summary
Reports of adverse effects associated with kratom use have demonstrated hypothyroidism, hypogonadism, hepatitis, acute respiratory distress syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, seizure, and coma. Overdose toxidrome leads to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest, and fatalities. Adult and neonatal withdrawal symptoms have also occurred. Clinicians should be aware of the risks and benefits of kratom use.
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Richeval C, Dumestre-Toulet V, Wiart JF, Vanhoye X, Humbert L, Nachon-Phanithavong M, Allorge D, Gaulier JM. New psychoactive substances in oral fluid of drivers around a music festival in south-west France in 2017. Forensic Sci Int 2019; 297:265-269. [DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2019.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Gjerde H, Gjersing L, Furuhaugen H, Bretteville-Jensen AL. Correspondence between Oral Fluid Drug Test Results and Self-Reported Illicit Drug Use among Music Festival Attendees. Subst Use Misuse 2019; 54:1337-1344. [PMID: 30860932 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1580295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of illicit substances is often under-reported. Testing positive in oral fluid provides an objective confirmation of recent intake. OBJECTIVES To examine the agreement between oral fluid test results and self-reported substance use among music festival attendees, and factors associated with reporting past 48 h drug use among users identified by drug testing. METHODS One thousand three hundred nine participants were recruited from six music festivals in Norway (June-August 2016). They completed a questionnaire and provided oral fluid samples analyzed for amphetamines, MDMA, tetrahydrocannabinol (cannabis), and cocaine. Additionally, their blood alcohol levels were measured. RESULTS Overall, 5.5% reported use of amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, and/or MDMA during past 48 h in the questionnaire, whereas 10.8% tested positive in oral fluid. Only 16.7% of identified cocaine users and 31.1% of identified MDMA users reported past 48 h cocaine or MDMA use, respectively. Higher proportions of identified cannabis and amphetamine users reported past 48 h use (53.8% and 55.6%, respectively). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that among participants who tested positive, those reporting weekly illicit substance use (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 30.6; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 6.3-147.9), and using such substances when younger than 18 years (AOR 5.0; 95% CI 1.9-13.4) were more likely to report past 48 h use. Conclusions/Importance: Oral fluid testing appears to be an important tool when studying illicit substance use among music festival attendees, as significant under-reporting was observed. Among those testing positive, regular, and experienced users were more likely to report recent use, compared to less regular and experienced users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hallvard Gjerde
- a Section of Drug Abuse Research, Department of Forensic Sciences , Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
| | - Linn Gjersing
- b Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs , Norwegian Institute of Public Health , Oslo , Norway
| | - Håvard Furuhaugen
- a Section of Drug Abuse Research, Department of Forensic Sciences , Oslo University Hospital , Oslo , Norway
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